Home Entertainment Renowned rapper Lil Durk makes his mark in the Metaverse with the release of his new digital sneakers, NXTG3NZ

Renowned rapper Lil Durk makes his mark in the Metaverse with the release of his new digital sneakers, NXTG3NZ

Entertainment — 04/16/2024

Renowned rapper Lil Durk makes his mark in the Metaverse with the release of his new digital sneakers, NXTG3NZ

The popularity of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) or unique digital tokens soared in the third quarter of 2021, reaching $11.7 billion in transactions by the fourth quarter. The largest NFT marketplace, Opensea, set a record in January with $4.8 billion worth of NFT transactions. Despite price fluctuations, NFTs show no signs of slowing down, especially with the Metaverse (virtual universe) in its early stages. NFTs play a crucial role in providing ownership of virtual assets such as fashion, art, businesses, and real estate.

In 2019, Fortnite created in-game outfits worth $1 billion in the avatar market, confirming the demand for collectible fashion in the Metaverse. This opened doors for fashion brands and designers to capitalize on the NFT market. Currently, in-game avatar outfits constitute a $40 billion market, projected to rise to $265.4 billion by 2026.

One of the first rappers to leave his mark in the Metaverse through the NFT fashion market is Lil Durk. Known for his raw and authentic style, Lil Durk, whose successful mixtapes under the recording label Only The Family garnered acclaim, is now expanding his business portfolio and inheritance assets through the new digital sneaker company, NXTG3NZ. Lil Durk co-founded NXTG3NZ with Satoshi Designs and Nexus to revolutionize the footwear industry in the Metaverse.

Lil Durk expressed, “Power has shifted to artists and their fans through Blockchain technology. I want to be not only a successful rapper/businessman but also have influence in the Metaverse and NFT community, leading in this field.”

NXTG3NZ, designed by Devonte ‘Black Legend Design,’ consists of a total of 10,000 tokenized pairs used across digital avatars worldwide while still proving ownership in the real world. As part of the development plan for Lil Durk’s digital sneaker 7220 NXTG3NZ, Genesis token owners have the opportunity to design sneakers in collaboration with Devonte and NFT’s outstanding creative team.

“We are here to show the world that you don’t have to be a genius or have a Ph.D. in the NFT and cryptocurrency market. Once we understand the process, we guide the community based on what they understand. Together, we can all succeed!” said Stally, CEO of Satoshi Design.

Together with his visual creator, Joe Moore, Lil Durk answered questions about his decision to enter the NFT and cryptocurrency market. As a family man, Durk aims to create inheritance assets for his family through NFTs and the Metaverse. Moore connected this vision to Lil Durk’s success and the achievements of NXTG3NZ. “I’ve been working with Durk since 2015, so it’s amazing to see him rise to new heights and pursue big opportunities.”

Interview excerpt:

  • For(bes) The Culture: How do you feel about the NXTG3NZ billboard appearing on the NASDAQ building?
  • Lil Durk: It feels great. For me, the billboard on the NASDAQ building is very significant. It’s a major achievement in everything I do. I cherish every moment.
  • For(bes) The Culture: Co-founding NXTG3NZ with Satoshi Designs and Nexus in an entirely new field, not just for entertainment artists but also entrepreneurs. Why did you decide to transition to the NFT and cryptocurrency market?
  • Lil Durk: I paid attention to the NFT market and didn’t see much about fashion. I saw art. Being known for my fashion style, I realized there was a lack of fashion in the NFT market. It’s perfect to be one of the first to combine them.
  • For(bes) The Culture: How do you think NFTs and blockchain technology in the Metaverse will change your presence in hip-hop? Will there be a Lil Durk concert in the Metaverse?
  • Lil Durk: Many people don’t believe in talking about the Metaverse, but it has been proven to be the future. We are collaborating with Grand Theft Auto, where we will have our own world in the game, and I will shoot videos along with live concerts. So, we are leading, and the world will have to catch up.
  • For(bes) The Culture: What business ventures are you planning next?
  • Lil Durk: Outside the Metaverse, I continue to work and achieve goals. I want to make movies and many other things that people wouldn’t expect from me. So, while people are sleeping, I am looking for the next thing to do.
  • For(bes) The Culture: How did you know to invest in the Metaverse?
  • Lil Durk: In reality, you don’t know what will be effective. You have to accept the risk. Plus, the people around you also believe in something similar to you.
  • For(bes) The Culture: Collaborating with Satoshi Designs and Nexus to establish NXTG3NZ, was it an obvious choice?
  • Lil Durk: The two presented this idea to me as brothers bonded from the start. While I was learning, they introduced this idea. So, when Satoshi Designs and Nexus helped me understand everything, I saw their vision. I knew we would succeed because there is nothing like what we are doing.
  • For(bes) The Culture: What legacy do you want to leave?
  • Lil Durk: I am a family man. I want to turn all hatred into love. I want to be known for bringing good to the poor, taking care of our schools, and doing what needs to be done to elevate young children. I don’t want to be known as a Hollywood guy who doesn’t do anything positive with his influence. Many people just like to talk, but I express through action.